There’s plenty to learn from Pats’ four losses

The Patriots have insisted Sunday’s game won’t be anything like their December thrashing of the Texans. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — All week, the Patriots have insisted Sunday’s game won’t be anything like their December thrashing of the Texans.

“As far as specific plays and ‘this game is going to go the way that game (did),’ I think that’s ridiculous,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “Just show me one example where that’s happened. I can’t think of one.”

Taking a historic perspective, Belichick is mostly right. The last 12 times teams have met in the postseason after one lost to the other by 28 or more points in the regular season, the losing team is 8-4 in the rematch.

This season has shown the Patriots have flaws. Four teams beat the Patriots this season, most of them early. How did the Patriots lose? And what can the Texans learn from those losses?

Sept. 16 at Foxborough – Cardinals 20 Patriots 18

Key player: Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

How they lost: Although the Patriots won nearly every statistical category, they couldn’t win their home opener. The Patriots didn’t score a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Arizona’s defense held firm for most of the game, controlling the line of scrimmage. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed a 42-yard field goal.

Can the Texans do it?: The Texans’ defense was mistake-ridden in the first meeting with the Patriots and allowed 21 points in the first quarter. It will look different this time. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph will be at full strength and outside linebacker Brooks Reed will play. In last week’s win over Cincinnati, the Texans got contributions from their entire front, which was imperative in winning that game. They’ll need the same this week.

Sept. 23 at Baltimore – Ravens 31 Patriots 30

Key player: Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.

How they lost: This was a low point for the Patriots’ defense. Smith caught six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, the Patriots allowed 503 total yards. Big plays by the Ravens’ sometimes anemic offense crushed New England. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 382 yards.

Can the Texans do it?: The Texans have shown the capability to do this during the regular season. They have not done it lately. They’ll need a loose Matt Schaub who takes smart risks. They’ll need the offensive line to play as well as it did against the Bengals’ imposing front.

Oct. 14 at Seattle – Seahawks 24 Patriots 23

Key player: Seattle QB Russell Wilson.

How they lost: Big plays again. Wilson threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns for a come-from-behind win for the Seahawks, who improved to 4-2. The Patriots fell to 3-3 with the loss. Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate caught passes that were longer than 45 yards.

Can the Texans do it?: The Patriots’ secondary has improved since then. This game wasn’t quite as bad for them as the Ravens game, but they weren’t able to stymie the passing game by intercepting Wilson. The Seahawks’ formula might not be congruent with the Texans’ strengths, though. Marshawn Lynch only had 41 yards, but that didn’t harm Seattle’s passing attack. The Texans will need to establish the run in order to open up their air game.

Dec. 16 at Foxborough – 49ers 41 Patriots 34

Key player: 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick.

How they lost: The Patriots made a furious fourth-quarter comeback, during which receiver Brandon Lloyd had 150 yards, but it wasn’t enough after San Francisco built a 31-3 lead in the third quarter. San Francisco’s two tight-end system gave the Patriots a taste of their own medicine. Tom Brady threw two interceptions and only one touchdown despite 443 passing yards. Kaepernick only had 221 passing yards, but he threw four touchdowns and one interception.

Can the Texans do it?: The addition of tight end Garrett Graham would help the Texans’ ability to use two tight ends, something they also like to do. Graham missed the first matchup between the Texans and Patriots with a concussion. He suffered another concussion last weekend against the Bengals but practiced fully Thursday.